The recent trial and sentencing of four leading members of the banned Falun Gong cult have won nationwide support.

Chinese people from all walks of life agreed that the four deserved the sentences they received, and that the trials helped to guarantee social stability.

Zhang Shaoqian, president of the Institute of Law Science of Zhengzhou University, said that all countries have taken measures to punish cults. The sentencing of the four Falun Gong members had sufficient legal backing, he said.

After watching the trial coverage on tv, many university teachers and students in northwest China's Shaanxi province voiced the belief that the country's judicial system is becoming more fine-tuned.

Lu Zhuo, director of the Public Security Bureau of southwest China's Sichuan province, said that the trial will give new strength to the fight against the Falun Gong cult.

Officials and citizens from provinces of Liaoning and Shandong also applauded the sentences.

In the Chinese capital of Beijing, people from various government departments, institutions and corporations said the sentences were just.